We are exposed to numerous toxic substances that are inhibiting our metabolism and contributing to chronic medical problems every day. These include alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, heavy metals, medications, pesticides, allergens as well as mould and infections, electromagnetic energies from phones, microwaves and radios and stress. (Which makes information about detox foods even more important!)
Symptoms Of Toxins In The Body
When the body isn’t able to get rid of toxins, it leaves you with numerous medical problems like
- Fatigue
- Bloating/Gas
- Headaches
- Early Ageing
- Rashes
- Weight Gain
- Recurrent Infections
- Infertility
- Low Libido
So detoxing is super important. We mainly detox through our large organs – s liver, gut, kidney, lungs, lymphatics and our mind.
One of the ways you can detox is by incorporating daily exercise to get your heart rate up, sweating regularly with a help of a sauna or hot yoga class, meditating and doing breathing techniques as well as getting frequent massages.
However, I encourage starting with your diet first since “detoxing” can really be overwhelming. What you put in your body really takes a toll on your body! Start by avoiding artificial chemicals, and ensure everything is organic and not genetically modified. If you’re not already reading the labels, make sure you do them! If you can’t pronounce the word, you probably shouldn’t be eating it.
Try Fasting
I grew up in a traditional Indian household where my mom always fasted once a week. I never understood why until now. When you’re fasting, your energy is being used from stored fat in the body. Fat cells hold on to toxins so you’re burning that energy when you fast and you’re helping get rid of excess toxins. The goal though is to stay hydrated with lots of water. Often people feel sluggish and tired when fasting because they’re getting rid of rubbish they didn’t realize their body had stored.
1. Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are great detox foods! I encourage patients diagnosed with cancer to eat foods belonging to this food family. Broccoli contains IC3 and DIM which helps get rid of excess estrogen stored in the body improving the prognosis of breast cancer. Broccoli is easily available and is one of the best detox foods to incorporate into your daily diet – whether eating them raw with hummus or cooking them up in a stir-fry. A must food for everyone to enjoy!
2. Beets
Beets are excellent foods to incorporate into your diet because they are anti-inflammatory, and contain Iron, B Vitamins like folate, calcium, beta mine, Vitamin K and numerous antioxidants. They provide you with a good source of energy and help your body detoxify through your liver because they contain betalains, a phytonutrient important to cleanse your liver. When you detox properly your energy levels, hormonal imbalance and immune system will improve, the skin clears up, your memory improves and you feel better overall. Beets are easy to add to salads and juices!
3. Lemon
By now you’ve heard everyone is “detoxing” with lemon water. That’s really a no-brainer! Lemon improves digestion and your immune system, balances your pH level, and flushes out unwanted toxins out of your body verse getting stuck and clogged. I encourage patients to start the day with warm lemon water which jumpstarts the elimination from the night before. Skin complexion, energy and constipation all instantly improve.
4. Turmeric
This spice is one we should be incorporating into our diet daily! Turmeric has been known over the years for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, immune boosting properties. Not only in China and India, but this spice has also made its way to the West because of its great properties. Curcumin, the phytochemical in turmeric stimulates bile production which the liver uses to eliminate toxins. Many physicians prescribe turmeric for joint pain, GI disorders, and autoimmune issues and to help fight numerous cancers. Golden Milk or “Haldi” Milk is a great way to incorporate turmeric into your routine. Have this at night.
Mix 2 tsp turmeric and some grated ginger, 1 tsp raw or Manuka honey, 1 cup coconut or almond milk, ¼ tsp cinnamon to taste, and 1 clove to taste. Add your ingredients, boil the milk and strain out the ingredients before you drink it. Drink this nightly and your liver will thank you tremendously.
5. Drink more teas
Adding tea to your detox routine is a good idea. One way you can do this is by making your tea with 1/2 tsp of whole fennel (saunf), coriander seeds (dhania seeds) and cumin seeds (jeera seeds) you mix it in a litre of water and bring it to a boil. You can also sip on ginger tea, liquorice, dandelion, peppermint, or even decaf green teas. The goal is for you to urinate more frequently which will help cleanse your liver and kidney.
Of course, please consult with your physician before starting any detox routine to make sure you are doing it right and the healthy way.
Mansi Zaveri
Parul Gupta
Rushita Sheth
KSP Team
